Emphasis: Focus on God to Find Freedom from Worry

In this life we live here on earth, there are so many things vying for our attention. It would be easy to worry ALL the time. If we put our emphasis on meeting only our own needs and desires, and work hard to find happiness, we find we cannot do it all. We burn out. We get sick. Unexpected events and interruptions pile up. And we often end up feeling defeated, discouraged and ready to give up.

What happens when you lose a job and wonder if you will have enough to eat or to wear? How do we get through life with a chronic illness? What about times we are overwhelmed with grief at thoughts of a lost loved one? Each of these are serious circumstances that could cause the strongest of us to crumble under the pressure. Where do we go for help?

PUT YOUR EMPHASIS ON GOD

Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

Matthew 6:27-34 NLT

When our son died in 2019, I don’t know how I could have gotten through without the strength and grace from God. Every day I spent time reading in the book of Psalms, writing in my journal and praying. By putting my emphasis on God I was comforted, knowing that He understands and would be with me through it all.

NO NEED TO WORRY

We don’t have to worry when troubles and trials come. Worrying won’t really help us at all. If our emphasis is on how we feel or our circumstances, we will have a hard time finding peace. With God there is peace in the midst of the trial. The hurting, grief or other hardship don’t magically go away. We can be sad at the circumstances, but at the same time we can have joy in Christ.

emphasis on God
photo taken at South Carolina Botanical Gardens in Clemson, South Carolina

This is Day 7 in the #write38days challenge. The prompt word is emphasis. Links to my other posts can be found on my landing page.

12 thoughts on “Emphasis: Focus on God to Find Freedom from Worry

  1. So very precious, Gayl! Truly, only by lifting our gaze to God will we ever be able to lay aside the worries. He is continuing to ask that of me, and showing me more deeply how He is right here with us. Thank you for sharing, and thank you for posting your beautiful Scripture paraphrase with my favorite tree. It is so majestic and such a gift from God! Love and hugs! xoxo

    1. Thank you so much, Bettie. I’m so thankful that He does show us that He’s with us even in the hardest times. I remembered that you liked that tree. 🙂 Blessings and love to you, dear sister! xoxo

  2. Thank you for sharing Gayl and I am so sorry for your loss. It is a comfort to know God holds us in the palm of His hand, even during the hard times, He walks with us.

  3. I am sorry to hear about the passing of your son. When my first husband died, it was all I can do just to get out of bed; but as a child of God (as he was), I had peace knowing that he was in a better place, and that I will see his face again in the next life. Your post is a beautiful reminder of that.

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